Europe News

Polish-Russian relations "unblocked" says Poland's foreign minister

Feb 13, 2009, 10:16 GMT

Warsaw - Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski spoke of an opening in Polish-Russian relations based on compromise instead of rhetoric, local media reported on Friday. Sikorski said Poland has 'stepped away from rhetoric' and opted for 'the language of pragmatism and looking for compromise, whenever we see signs of good will from the other side.' Sikorski proposed setting clear outlines that would mark relations between Poland, the European Union and Russia, reported the Polish Press Agency PAP. The EU should have 'a shared strategy in relations with its Eastern partner,' he said. 'It's widely regarded that Europe needs Russia, and this is true,' Sikorski said, 'We think that Russia needs Europe even more.' But the minister said Russia's recent row with Ukraine over gas was proof that energy can have political effects, and that Europe should lower its reliance on foreign energy. Warsaw's relations with Russia reached boiling point when Poland signed a deal with the United States to host a missile defence system on its soil. The US claimed the system was meant for protection against Iran, while Russia said the shield targeted its nuclear arsenal. Sikorski on Friday said Poland was ready to finish negotiations but that the US would have final say. US President Barack Obama has said he supports the system if the technology can be proven to work.

Europe News

Polish-Russian relations "unblocked" says Poland's foreign minister

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